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A2 noun 9 min read

语音

yuyin

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips 语音 in 30 Seconds

Explanation 语音 in your Level:

At the A1 level, you should know that '语音' (yǔyīn) is related to how words sound. Think of it as 'voice' or 'sound of language.' You will mostly hear it when your teacher talks about your 'pronunciation' or when you use a phone. For example, in WeChat, when you don't want to type, you send a '语音' (voice message). It is a noun. You can say '听语音' (listen to the voice message) or '发语音' (send a voice message). At this stage, just remember: 语 = language, 音 = sound. Together, they mean the sound of the language you are learning. It is very useful for technology and for asking about how to say things correctly.

At the A2 level, you begin to use '语音' in more structured sentences. You should understand that it refers to the phonetic quality of speech. If a teacher says '你的语音很好' (Your pronunciation is very good), they are praising your tones and clarity. You will also encounter it in technical terms like '语音识别' (speech recognition) or '语音助手' (voice assistant). You should be able to distinguish it from '声音' (shēngyīn), which is any sound (like a bell or a car). '语音' is only for human speech. You will also use it frequently when talking about social media habits, such as '我喜欢发语音' (I like sending voice messages).

At the B1 level, '语音' becomes a tool for discussing language learning and technology in depth. You should be comfortable using it to describe the phonetic system of Mandarin. For instance, you might discuss '语音知识' (phonetic knowledge) or '语音规律' (phonetic rules). You are also expected to understand its role in compound words like '语音通话' (voice call) versus '视频通话' (video call). At this level, you should start noticing the difference between '语音' (the sounds themselves) and '发音' (the act of producing those sounds). You might say, '为了提高语音水平，我每天练习发音' (To improve my pronunciation level, I practice pronouncing every day).

At the B2 level, you use '语音' in more professional and abstract contexts. You might encounter it in discussions about linguistics, telecommunications, or artificial intelligence. For example, '语音合成' (speech synthesis) is a common topic in tech news. You should also be able to use it to describe nuances in speech, such as '语音语调' (intonation and pitch). At this stage, you understand that '语音' can refer to the acoustic properties of a language. You might analyze how '语音变化' (phonetic changes) occur in different dialects. Your usage should be precise, using '语音' to refer to the system and '发音' to refer to the individual's performance.

At the C1 level, your understanding of '语音' is comprehensive, covering both its linguistic and technological applications. You can discuss '语音学' (phonetics) and the '语音体系' (phonetic system) of various languages or dialects. You understand the historical evolution of '语音' and how it relates to '音韵学' (Chinese philology/phonology). In a professional setting, you might evaluate '语音质量' (voice quality) in telecommunications or '语音交互' (voice interaction) in UX design. You can use the word fluently in complex sentences that involve abstract concepts, such as the relationship between '语音' and '语义' (semantics).

At the C2 level, you possess a native-like grasp of '语音' in all its complexities. You can engage in academic debates about '语音演变' (phonetic evolution) across centuries or the intricacies of '语音感知' (speech perception) in cognitive science. You are aware of the most subtle collocations and can use the term in high-level literary or technical writing without hesitation. Whether you are discussing the '语音特征' (phonetic features) of an extinct language or the latest breakthroughs in '语音编码' (voice coding) technology, you use '语音' with total precision, reflecting a deep understanding of its linguistic, social, and technical dimensions.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

语音 in 30 Seconds

语音 (yǔyīn) means speech sounds or pronunciation quality.
It is the standard term for digital voice messages (e.g., on WeChat).
Used in tech for voice assistants and speech recognition.
Distinguish it from 声音 (general sound) and 发音 (act of pronouncing).

The term 语音 (yǔyīn) is a foundational noun in Mandarin Chinese that primarily refers to the sounds produced in human speech. At its core, it combines '语' (yǔ), meaning language or speech, with '音' (yīn), meaning sound or tone. For an English speaker, the most direct translations are 'pronunciation,' 'speech sounds,' or 'voice' in a technological context. Understanding this word requires looking at its dual life: one in the traditional classroom or linguistic setting, and the other in the modern, hyper-connected digital world of smartphones.

Linguistic Context: In a formal learning environment, 语音 refers to the phonetic system of a language. If a teacher says your '语音' is good, they are commenting on your mastery of tones, initials, and finals. It encompasses the entire acoustic output of your speech.

老师正在纠正学生的语音错误。 (The teacher is correcting the students' pronunciation errors.)

Digital Context: In modern China, you will hear this word most often regarding mobile apps like WeChat. '发语音' (fā yǔyīn) means to send a voice message. Here, the word shifts from 'the abstract quality of sound' to 'a concrete digital voice file.'

Furthermore, 语音 is used in technical fields like '语音识别' (yǔyīn shíbié), which is speech recognition, or '语音助手' (yǔyīn zhùshǒu), meaning voice assistant (like Siri or Alexa). It represents the bridge between human thought and the audible world. When you study 语音, you are studying the physics and the art of how we speak. It is not just about being understood; it is about the texture and accuracy of the sounds themselves. In the HSK 2 level, you transition from just knowing words to caring about how they sound, which is why 语音 becomes a vital part of your vocabulary. It reflects a shift from basic communication to a desire for fluency and technological integration.

这个手机的语音识别功能非常强大。 (This phone's speech recognition function is very powerful.)

To master this word, imagine it as an umbrella covering everything from the tiny vibrations of your vocal cords to the digital packets of a voice note sent across the globe. Whether you are discussing the nuances of the four tones or asking a friend to send a voice clip instead of typing, 语音 is the word you need. It is professional enough for a linguistics paper but common enough for a casual text message. This versatility makes it a high-frequency term that bridges the gap between 'what' is said and 'how' it is heard.

Using 语音 (yǔyīn) correctly involves understanding its role as a noun that can act as a subject, object, or modifier. Because it refers to both the concept of speech sounds and the physical voice messages we send, its placement in a sentence varies based on intent. Let’s break down the common patterns you will encounter.

As a Direct Object: When used with verbs like '发' (fā - to send) or '听' (tīng - to listen), it refers to digital voice messages. This is the most common usage in daily life.

我不方便打字，给你发语音吧。 (It's not convenient for me to type, let me send you a voice message.)

As a Subject or Topic: When discussing the quality of someone's speech or a technical feature, 语音 often starts the sentence or serves as the main topic of discussion.

他的语音非常标准，听起来像播音员。 (His pronunciation is very standard; he sounds like a broadcaster.)

In academic or pedagogical contexts, 语音 is frequently followed by nouns like 知识 (zhīshi - knowledge) or 训练 (xùnliàn - training). For example, '语音知识' refers to the theory of phonetics, while '语音训练' refers to pronunciation practice. If you are a student, you might say '我要加强语音练习' (I need to strengthen my pronunciation practice). Notice how 语音 acts as an attributive here, narrowing down what kind of practice you are doing. It distinguishes speaking sounds from grammar (语法) or vocabulary (词汇).

学习外语时，语音基础非常重要。 (When learning a foreign language, the pronunciation foundation is very important.)

Finally, consider the compound '语音通话' (yǔyīn tōnghuà). This is the term for a voice call over the internet (VoIP). Unlike a traditional phone call (电话), a 语音通话 usually refers to calls made through apps. In these sentences, the word is part of a fixed term that describes the medium of communication. By observing these patterns—digital messages, phonetic quality, and technical compounds—you can see that 语音 is a versatile tool for describing how we communicate with our voices in both physical and virtual spaces.

You will encounter 语音 (yǔyīn) in three primary real-world environments in China: on your smartphone, in educational settings, and in public service announcements. It is a word that bridges the gap between high-tech convenience and the fundamental mechanics of language.

On Social Media (WeChat/QQ): This is the most common place. People in China often prefer sending voice notes over typing. You will hear phrases like '发个语音吧' (Send a voice message) or '听一下语音' (Listen to the voice note). In a busy street, you'll see people holding their phones horizontally to their mouths—they are recording 语音.

我正在开车，晚点给你回语音。 (I'm driving; I'll send you a voice message later.)

In the Classroom: Language teachers use this word constantly. They aren't just talking about 'speaking' (说话); they are talking about the phonetic accuracy. '语音课' (yǔyīn kè) is a specific class dedicated to pronunciation and tones. You'll hear it when the focus is on the technicality of the sound.

You also hear this word in the context of smart devices. When you enter a modern elevator or use a smart home system, the automated voice is called '语音提示' (yǔyīn tíshì - voice prompt). If you are using a GPS while driving, the directions are given via '语音导航' (yǔyīn dǎoháng - voice navigation). In these contexts, 语音 signifies that the interface is auditory rather than visual. It's the sound of the machine talking to you.

请根据语音提示进行操作。 (Please follow the voice prompts to proceed.)

Lastly, in the realm of customer service, you might encounter '语音服务' (yǔyīn fúwù - automated voice service). When you call a bank or a telecom company, the initial menu you navigate is the 语音 system. In all these scenarios, 语音 is the keyword that tells you: 'Listen, because the information is coming through sound, not text.'

While 语音 (yǔyīn) seems straightforward, English speakers often stumble over its specific boundaries. The most frequent errors involve confusing it with '发音' (fāyīn), '声音' (shēngyīn), and '话' (huà). Understanding these distinctions is crucial for sounding natural.

Confusing 语音 with 发音 (fāyīn): This is the most common mistake. While both relate to pronunciation, 发音 is a verb-noun (the act of pronouncing), whereas 语音 is a pure noun (the speech sounds). You '发音' (pronounce) a word, but you study '语音' (phonetics/speech sounds). You can say '你的发音很好' or '你的语音很标准,' but you cannot '语音' a word.

❌ Incorrect: 这个词怎么语音？
✅ Correct: 这个词怎么发音？ (How is this word pronounced?)

Confusing 语音 with 声音 (shēngyīn): 声音 is the general word for 'sound' or 'noise.' If a TV is too loud, you adjust the 声音. If you hear a bird, it's a 声音. 语音 is strictly for human language. You would never say a bird has '语音.'

Another subtle mistake is using 语音 when you mean '话' (huà - words/speech). If you want to say 'I like the way you talk,' you should say '我喜欢你说话的方式' (I like your way of speaking), not '我喜欢你的语音.' The latter would mean you literally like the phonetic quality of his speech sounds, which sounds like something a linguist would say, not a friend.

❌ Incorrect: 我听不懂你的语音。
✅ Correct (if referring to a message): 我听不懂你发的这条语音。 (I don't understand this voice message you sent.)
✅ Correct (if referring to speech): 我听不懂你说的话。 (I don't understand the words you are saying.)

Finally, remember that in the context of 'voice messages,' 语音 is the noun for the message itself. You '发' (send) a 语音, you don't '说' (say) a 语音. This distinction between the action of speaking and the object being sent is a key hurdle for beginners.

To truly master 语音 (yǔyīn), you must see where it fits in the family of 'sound' and 'speech' words. Chinese has several terms that English often lumps together as 'voice' or 'sound,' but they have distinct roles.

发音 (fāyīn) vs. 语音 (yǔyīn): As mentioned, 发音 is the act of articulating sounds. It is often used as a verb-object phrase. 语音 is the abstract phonetic system or the digital message. Example: '他发音(verb)不准，所以语音(noun)听起来很奇怪。' (He doesn't pronounce correctly, so the speech sounds sound strange.)

口音 (kǒuyīn) vs. 语音 (yǔyīn): 口音 means 'accent.' While 语音 refers to the general sounds of a language, 口音 refers to the specific regional flavor of those sounds. You might have standard 语音 (good phonetics) but still have a strong 广东口音 (Cantonese accent).

虽然他的语音很清晰，但还是有一点北方口音。 (Although his pronunciation is clear, he still has a bit of a northern accent.)

录音 (lùyīn) vs. 语音 (yǔyīn): 录音 means 'a recording' or 'to record.' A 语音 is a type of recording (a voice message), but 录音 is more general. A 录音 could be a song, a lecture, or a hidden recording of a conversation. A 语音 message on WeChat is technically a 录音, but we specifically call it 语音 to denote its communicative purpose.

Lastly, consider '配音' (pèiyīn). This means 'dubbing' (as in a movie). While it contains the '音' character, it refers to the professional act of providing a voice for a character. When you hear a movie in Chinese that was originally in English, you are hearing the 语音 of the 配音 actors. By understanding these nuances, you move beyond basic translation and start to perceive the world through the specific categories of the Chinese language.

How Formal Is It?

Fun Fact

In ancient Chinese, '音' specifically referred to musical sounds or sounds with a clear pitch, while '声' was for raw noise. Today, '语音' combines them into the concept of linguistic sound.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /jǔ.ín/

US /ju.in/

Equal stress on both syllables in Mandarin.

Rhymes With

原因 (yuányīn) 金 (jīn) 心 (xīn) 新 (xīn) 亲 (qīn) 民 (mín) 今 (jīn) 林 (lín)

Common Errors

Pronouncing 'yǔ' as a flat tone.
Confusing the 'ü' sound in 'yǔ' with a standard 'u' sound.
Merging the two syllables into one 'yuin'.
Using the English 'v' sound for 'y'.
Dropping the 'n' at the end of 'yīn'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Characters are relatively common but need to be distinguished from similar ones.

Writing 3/5

Writing '语' and '音' requires attention to stroke order and radicals.

Speaking 2/5

The tones (3rd and 1st) are a classic combination that requires practice.

Listening 1/5

Very easy to recognize in context, especially in tech settings.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

语音说话听

Learn Next

发音口音识别助手通话

Advanced

音韵学频谱合成编码

Grammar to Know

Measure words for messages

一条语音 (One voice message)

Verb-Object constructions

发语音 (Send voice message)

Attributive nouns

语音知识 (Phonetic knowledge)

Preposition '通过'

通过语音控制 (Control via voice)

Resultative complements

听清语音 (Hear the voice clearly)

Examples by Level

这是我的语音。

This is my voice message.

Here '语音' acts as a simple noun.

请听语音。

Please listen to the voice message.

Verb '听' + Object '语音'.

我不发语音。

I don't send voice messages.

Negative '不' before the verb '发'.

你的语音好。

Your pronunciation is good.

Simple Subject-Adjective structure.

老师，这是语音吗？

Teacher, is this a voice message?

Interrogative particle '吗' at the end.

我喜欢语音。

I like voice messages.

Subject + Verb + Object.

他发了一个语音。

He sent a voice message.

Use of measure word '个'.

语音很长。

The voice message is very long.

Adjective '长' describing the noun '语音'.

我会发语音。

I can send voice messages.

Modal verb '会' indicates ability.

他的语音很标准。

His pronunciation is very standard.

Standard A2 description of pronunciation.

我们语音通话吧。

Let's have a voice call.

Suggestion particle '吧' at the end.

手机有语音助手。

The phone has a voice assistant.

Compound noun '语音助手'.

请给我发个语音。

Please send me a voice message.

Request pattern: 请 + 给我 + Verb + Object.

这个语音不清楚。

This voice message is not clear.

Adjective '清楚' modified by '不'.

我要练习语音。

I want to practice pronunciation.

Verb '练习' + Object '语音'.

语音识别很快。

Speech recognition is very fast.

Compound noun '语音识别' as a subject.

语音知识对学习汉语很重要。

Phonetic knowledge is very important for learning Chinese.

Abstract noun usage '语音知识'.

你可以通过语音输入文字。

You can input text through voice.

Prepositional phrase '通过...输入'.

这条语音已经过期了。

This voice message has already expired.

Aspect marker '了' indicating a change of state.

他的语音语调很自然。

His pronunciation and intonation are very natural.

Coordinated nouns '语音语调'.

我们需要加强语音训练。

We need to strengthen pronunciation training.

Verb '加强' + compound object.

语音导航指错了路。

The voice navigation gave the wrong directions.

Subject '语音导航' performing an action.

请不要在图书馆发语音。

Please don't send voice messages in the library.

Negative command '不要' in a specific location.

语音留言里说了什么？

What was said in the voice message?

Locative phrase '语音留言里'.

这种软件可以进行语音合成。

This software can perform speech synthesis.

Formal verb '进行' + technical noun.

语音识别技术正在飞速发展。

Speech recognition technology is developing rapidly.

Progressive aspect '正在' + adverb '飞速'.

由于语音不清晰，我没听懂。

Because the audio was unclear, I didn't understand.

Causal conjunction '由于'.

他专门研究汉语语音学。

He specializes in Chinese phonetics.

Adverb '专门' + verb '研究'.

语音交互是未来发展的趋势。

Voice interaction is the trend of future development.

Abstract concept '语音交互' as a subject.

系统会自动转换语音为文字。

The system will automatically convert voice to text.

Verb '转换' with 'A 为 B' structure.

语音提示音可以根据需要更改。

The voice prompt sound can be changed as needed.

Passive-like structure with '可以'.

他在语音中提到了那个计划。

He mentioned that plan in the voice message.

Prepositional phrase '在语音中'.

该地区的方言语音非常有特色。

The phonetic characteristics of the local dialect are very distinctive.

Formal demonstrative '该'.

语音的物理属性包括音高和音强。

The physical attributes of speech sounds include pitch and intensity.

Technical linguistic terminology.

我们需要优化语音识别的算法。

We need to optimize the algorithms for speech recognition.

Verb '优化' + technical object.

语音演变是一个漫长的历史过程。

Phonetic evolution is a long historical process.

Abstract historical concept.

这篇论文分析了语音感知的机理。

This paper analyzes the mechanism of speech perception.

Formal academic verb '分析'.

语音编码技术提高了通话质量。

Voice coding technology has improved call quality.

Technical compound '语音编码'.

他能模仿各种动物的语音。

He can imitate the 'speech' (vocalizations) of various animals.

Creative use of '语音' for non-human vocalization.

语音信息的安全性不容忽视。

The security of voice information cannot be ignored.

Set phrase '不容忽视' (cannot be ignored).

语音不仅是沟通的工具，更是文化的载体。

Speech is not only a tool for communication but also a carrier of culture.

Correlative conjunctions '不仅...更是'.

该软件实现了语音与情感的深度融合。

The software achieved a deep integration of voice and emotion.

Formal verb '实现' + abstract object.

语音学研究揭示了人类发声的奥秘。

Phonetic research has revealed the mysteries of human vocalization.

Formal verb '揭示' (reveal).

在数字化时代，语音数据的挖掘至关重要。

In the digital age, the mining of voice data is crucial.

Set phrase '至关重要' (extremely important).

语音的细微差别往往反映了说话者的身份。

Subtle nuances in speech often reflect the speaker's identity.

Complex subject with '的'.

通过对语音频谱的分析，可以鉴定真伪。

Through the analysis of the voice spectrum, authenticity can be identified.

Prepositional structure '通过对...的分析'.

语音界面的普及彻底改变了人机交互方式。

The popularization of voice interfaces has completely changed human-computer interaction.

Adverb '彻底' (completely) modifying '改变'.

语音的韵律特征在诗歌朗诵中尤为重要。

The prosodic features of speech are particularly important in poetry recitation.

Adverb '尤为' (especially).

Common Collocations

语音识别

语音通话

语音助手

语音提示

标准语音

语音消息

语音系统

语音练习

语音交互

语音输入

Common Phrases

发语音

— To send a voice message (common on WeChat).

别打字了，发语音吧。

听语音

— To listen to a voice message.

你听我发的语音了吗？

语音聊天

— To chat via voice (online).

晚上我们可以语音聊天。

语音搜索

— Voice search (on a browser or app).

用语音搜索更方便。

语音留言

— Voice mail or voice message left for someone.

我给他留了语音留言。

语音播报

— Voice broadcast (like at a station).

车站正在进行语音播报。

语音导航

— Voice navigation (GPS).

跟着语音导航走。

语音转换

— Voice conversion/translation.

语音转换为文字。

语音库

— Voice library/database.

这个软件的语音库很大。

语音室

— Language lab (room for listening practice).

我们在语音室上课。

Often Confused With

语音 vs 发音

Action vs. Result. You 'fāyīn' (pronounce) to produce 'yǔyīn' (speech sounds).

语音 vs 声音

Human speech vs. Any sound. Birds make 'shēngyīn', humans make 'yǔyīn'.

语音 vs 口音

General sound vs. Regional accent.

Idioms & Expressions

"先声夺人"

— To gain the advantage by making one's voice/presence heard first.

他在比赛中先声夺人。

Literary

"绘声绘色"

— To describe something vividly (with sound and color).

他绘声绘色地讲故事。

Neutral

"抑扬顿挫"

— Cadence/modulation in speech (rising and falling).

他的语音抑扬顿挫。

Literary

"字正腔圆"

— Perfect pronunciation and singing (standard speech).

他的普通话字正腔圆。

Commendatory

"如闻其声"

— As if hearing the person's voice (vivid writing).

读他的信，如闻其声。

Literary

"众口一词"

— Everyone says the same thing (unanimous).

大家众口一词地称赞他。

Neutral

"人声鼎沸"

— A hubbub of voices (noisy place).

市场上人声鼎沸。

Neutral

"口耳相传"

— Passed on by word of mouth.

这个故事口耳相传了很久。

Neutral

"言为心声"

— Words are the voice of the heart.

言为心声，他是个诚实的人。

Literary

"巧舌如簧"

— To have a glib tongue (often negative).

他巧舌如簧，不可信。

Derogatory

Easily Confused

语音 vs 发音 (fāyīn)

Both translate to 'pronunciation' in English.

发音 is the act of speaking; 语音 is the acoustic sound or the message itself.

他的发音(act)很好，语音(sound)很标准。

语音 vs 声音 (shēngyīn)

Both mean 'sound' or 'voice'.

声音 is the broad category of all audible things; 语音 is specifically linguistic sound.

外面的声音(noise)太大了，我听不见你的语音(voice message)。

语音 vs 录音 (lùyīn)

Both involve recorded sound.

录音 is any recording (music, etc.); 语音 is specifically a communicative voice message.

我把这节课录音(recorded)了，你可以听听老师的语音(pronunciation)。

语音 vs 口音 (kǒuyīn)

Both relate to how one sounds when speaking.

口音 refers to an accent (regional); 语音 refers to phonetics in general.

他的语音(phonetics)不错，但有一点南方口音(accent)。

语音 vs 话 (huà)

Both refer to spoken language.

话 refers to the content/words; 语音 refers to the sound quality or the digital file.

你的话(words)很有道理，但语音(pronunciation)要加强。

Sentence Patterns

这是 + [Noun]

这是语音。

[Subject] + 很 + [Adjective]

语音很标准。

通过 + 语音 + [Action]

通过语音搜索信息。

给 + [Person] + 发 + 语音

给我发个语音。

根据 + 语音 + [Noun]

根据语音提示操作。

由于 + [Reason], [Result]

由于语音太吵，我没听清。

不仅是...更是...

语音不仅是工具，更是文化。

通过对...的分析

通过对语音的分析，我们发现了规律。

Word Family

Nouns

语音学

语音室

语音库

语音包

Adjectives

语音的

语言

声音

发音

音调

口音

How to Use It

frequency

Extremely high in daily digital life.

Common Mistakes

我语音你。 → 我给你发语音。
语音 is a noun, not a verb. You need to use '发' (send).
这个词怎么语音？ → 这个词怎么发音？
When asking for the pronunciation of a specific word, use the verb '发音'.
鸟的语音很好听。 → 鸟的叫声很好听。
语音 is only for human speech. For birds, use '叫声' (cries/calls).
请关小一点语音。 → 请关小一点声音。
For volume control of a device, use '声音' (general sound).
他有很重的语音。 → 他有很重的口音。
To describe an accent, the correct word is '口音'.

Tips

Sending Messages

When using WeChat, just say '发个语音' to tell someone you'll send a voice note.

Focus on Tones

When your teacher mentions 语音, they are likely talking about your tones. Practice 3rd + 1st tone for the word itself!

Voice Search

Look for the microphone icon in Chinese apps; it's often labeled 语音搜索.

Listening Privately

If you hold your phone to your ear while a 语音 plays, the phone usually switches to the small speaker automatically.

Compound Words

Learn 语音 with its friends: 识别 (recognition), 通话 (call), and 提示 (prompt).

Voice vs. Noise

If a human is talking, it's 语音. If a car is honking, it's 声音. Don't mix them up!

Measure Word

Use '条' (tiáo) for voice messages because they are like 'strings' of sound.

Work Context

In meetings, '语音会议' means a conference call without video.

Common Error

Never say '我语音你' (I voice you). Say '我给你发语音' (I send you a voice message).

Visual Tip

The character 音 looks like a stand (立) over a mouth (日). Sound standing in the mouth!

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Imagine a mouth (语) producing a musical note (音). That note is your 'pronunciation' or your 'voice message.'

Visual Association

Picture a WeChat screen with those little green audio bubbles. Those bubbles are the physical embodiment of 语音.

Word Web

WeChat Phonetics Siri Tones Navigation Recording Accent Microphone

Challenge

Try to send one 语音 message to a Chinese-speaking friend today instead of typing.

Word Origin

Composed of two characters: 语 (yǔ) and 音 (yīn). '语' consists of '言' (speech) and '吾' (I/me), originally meaning 'to talk.' '音' depicts a sound coming from a mouth with a tongue.

Original meaning: The sounds of spoken words.

Sino-Tibetan

Cultural Context

Be careful when listening to 语音 in public; it's polite to hold the phone to your ear (which switches the output from speaker to earpiece) rather than playing it loudly.

In English, we often say 'Send a voice note.' In Chinese, you always say '发语音.'

WeChat (微信) - the app that popularized the term 语音 in daily life. Siri/Xiaoice - famous 语音助手 (voice assistants). Pinyin system - the foundation of modern 语音 learning.

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Using WeChat

发语音
听语音
语音转文字
长按说话发语音

Language Class

语音标准
语音错误
语音练习
语音课

Using a Car GPS

语音导航
语音提示
开启语音
关闭语音

Customer Service

语音服务
语音查询
语音留言
进入语音系统

Smart Home

语音控制
语音助手
语音唤醒
语音指令

Conversation Starters

"你喜欢发语音还是打字？"

"你觉得我的汉语语音怎么样？"

"这个手机的语音助手好用吗？"

"我们可以语音通话吗？"

"你听过这个地方的方言语音吗？"

Journal Prompts

今天我练习了汉语语音，我觉得最难的部分是...

我发现中国朋友很喜欢发语音，因为...

如果我的手机没有语音功能，我的生活会...

描述一次你因为语音识别错误而发生的趣事。

你认为语音交互在未来会取代键盘吗？

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

No, 语音 is strictly for human speech sounds. For a bird, use 叫声 (jiàoshēng) or 声音 (shēngyīn).

The most common measure word is 条 (tiáo), as in 一条语音 (one voice message). You can also use 个 (gè) informally.

Yes. 话 (huà) refers to the words or the speech content. 语音 (yǔyīn) refers to the physical sounds or the voice recording.

You say 语音通话 (yǔyīn tōnghuà). This is common on apps like WeChat.

No, it is always a noun. To say 'to send a voice message,' you must use the verb 发 (fā), as in 发语音.

It means Phonetics, the scientific study of speech sounds.

Yes, in the context of Chinese, 语音 includes the initials, finals, and the four tones.

It's faster than typing characters, more personal, and convenient when walking or driving.

It is a voice assistant, like Siri, Alexa, or Xiaomi's XiaoAI.

The term 语音 is standard, but the actual sounds (the 语音 of the dialect) vary greatly across China.